Acute pulmonary embolism. Forensic assessment of accusations of diagnostic and treatment errors

作者：Kettner M^*; Ramsthaler F; Schmidt P; Padosch S A

来源：Rechtsmedizin, 2013, 23(4): 255-262.

DOI：10.1007/s00194-013-0897-2

• Incidence
• Cause of death
• Anticoagulation
• Thrombolysis
• Forensic medicine

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE), e.g. following deep vein thrombosis, is a life-threatening incident. Immediate correct diagnosis of the disease with subsequent initiation of the correct therapy regimen is crucial for the prognosis of affected patients. Allegations of medical malpractice may not only concern missed diagnoses but also initial diagnostic efforts and initiation of a specific therapy. In forensic casework a classical set of symptoms as well as well established and durable diagnostic algorithms and therapy regimen enable the forensic expert to reliably assess the quality of treatment in a given case and derive the necessary conclusions to refute or substantiate a suspected case of medical malpractice. This publication is intended to enable the forensic expert to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cases of clinically suspected and autoptically proven acute pulmonary embolism following deep vein thrombosis on the basis of current medical research. Thus it may serve to further implement and strengthen evidence-based aspects in forensic casework.

• 出版日期2013-8